Step through a beautiful tunnel of escallonia in the walled garden at Canna House into a bee-friendly sanctuary of lush lawns, flower-filled borders and fruit trees.

Say hello to Canna! This small island to the south-west of Skye is bursting with human history. Canna is thought to have been inhabited since 5000BC, and now supports a small crofting community.

The island was donated to the Trust by Gaelic scholar John Lorne Campbell and his wife Margaret Fay Shaw, who together amassed a huge collection of Gaelic song and poetry. Aside from people, Canna is also home to scores of wild creatures, from porpoises and whales to puffins and eagles.

Canna can be visited all year round – either by taking the regular passenger-only ferry, by private charter or, if you have your own boat, Canna Harbour has 10 yacht moorings for visitors.

Canna has been a bird sanctuary since 1938 and is home to thousands of seabirds. The waters around the island are regularly visited by basking sharks and minke whales, while the skies are the haunt of golden and sea eagles.

The unique collection of Gaelic culture at Canna House provides a lasting and irreplaceable record of a way of life that might otherwise have been forgotten. Canna House is currently closed for improvement works.

Purchase local crafts, fresh local produce, teas, coffees and light refreshments from the community shop on the pier (open from March to October).

Dogs must be kept under close control on the island due to livestock and ground-nesting birds.

Canna House is currently closed for tours but visitors can explore Canna House’s walled garden and the island at their leisure. Guided walks are available by prior arrangement with the island ranger.

It is possible, although challenging, for wheelchair users to take the ferry to Canna. Once on the island, the roads are made of hard gravel so assistance is required. Café Canna has one step at the entrance.